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NGO empowers communities through study circles
Extracted from It’s Sweden - March 2005
Embassy of Sweden – Harare

http://www.swedenabroad.com/pages/general____34539.asp

The study Circle Alliance of Zimbabwe (SCAZ) is a membership based umbrella body and a resource entity in study circle matters formed in November 2002. Its main objective is to promote the Study Circle methodology through sharing of information, experiences and best practices in study circle implementation and management. Study Circles are voluntary, selforganising adult education groups of people who meet to explore a subject, often a critical social, political, economic or cultural issue. In a study circle, everyone has an equal voice, and people try to understand each other's views. They do not have to agree with each other. The idea is to share concerns and look for ways to make life better. Each meeting is directed by a facilitator whose role is to aid a lively but focused dialogue.

As the umbrella body of organisations that use the study circle methodology, SCAZ currently has ten member organisations and ten cooperating organisations.

To be a member of SCAZ an organisation should either be using the study circle method in its programmes or be interested in the method.

SCAZ members benefit in that they knowledge, experiences and ideas with other member organisations through exchange programmes and linkages. SCAZ also assists members in material development, professional advice and training in the study circle method as per organisational mandate or focus. Since SCAZ is also part of the Swedish Cooperative Centre (SCC)'s Regional Study Circle Resource Centre (RSCRC) members are set to benefit through linkages with other regional organisations that use the study circle method.

Through SCC's support, SCAZ has embarked on an extensive training programme on the use of the Study Circle methodology throughout Zimbabwe. So far, the organisation has been involved in the Training of Trainers Programme which has seen 41 members receiving Training of Trainers certificates.

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